description Grotte de Pech Merle Overview
The Grotte de Pech Merle is a prehistoric decorated cave located in the Lot region of southwestern France. The cavern is an important archaeological site that contains Upper Paleolithic cave art estimated to be around 25,000 years old. Among its most notable features are the distinct paintings of spotted horses and human handprints created by early humans, and public access to the cave is strictly limited to protect the fragile prehistoric artwork.
help Grotte de Pech Merle FAQ
Where is the Grotte de Pech Merle located?
The Grotte de Pech Merle is a heavily decorated karst cave located in the Lot department of southwestern France. It sits within the limestone hills of the Quercy region.
What famous prehistoric art is found in Pech Merle?
The cave is famous for its stunning Paleolithic cave paintings, notably the panel of the spotted horses. These incredible drawings were created using red ochre and black manganese dioxide roughly 25,000 years ago.
Can the public visit the Grotte de Pech Merle?
Yes, unlike many other highly fragile prehistoric caves in France, Pech Merle is open to a limited number of public visitors daily. Guided tours are strictly regulated to protect the ancient artwork from human damage.
How old are the paintings in the Grotte de Pech Merle?
The prehistoric paintings and drawings inside the cave date back approximately 25,000 years to the Upper Paleolithic period. They were created by early humans belonging to the Gravettian culture.
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